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Mary Ojulary Foundation Reaches $180,000 Support for Entrepreneurs

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Mary Ojulary Foundation Reaches $180,000 Support for Entrepreneurs

The Mary Ojulary Foundation has announced that its financial support to young entrepreneurs across Nigeria has now reached $180,000, disbursed in two phases under its mission to strengthen small businesses. The Founder, Mary Ojulary, made this known on Friday during the award night for the second cohort of the organisation’s Vanguard Fellowship Initiative in Lagos.

Ojulary explained that the foundation was created from her long-standing passion for giving back and creating sustainable opportunities for young people. She said the organisation operates in two categories, targeting children, youths, and women who need support to grow in education or business. According to her, the foundation’s focus has continued to expand because the need for empowerment keeps increasing.

Speaking on the motivation behind the foundation, Ojulary said she had spent more than a decade supporting children through primary, secondary, and tertiary education. However, many of those she supported often returned seeking further help. This made her realise that scholarships alone were not enough. Her turning point, she said, came during the 2023 elections while she was sensitising young people on civic participation.

“In the process of engaging the youth, I met a lot of 18 to 35-year-olds who were innovative and creative, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. They had ideas, but they lacked mentorship. That inspired me to create a platform focused on enterprise development, coaching, education, and mentorship,” she said.

The foundation currently runs two core programmes: the Aspire Scholarship, which has supported 25 children, and the Vanguard Fellowship Initiative, which is the major entrepreneurship empowerment scheme. According to Ojulary, the funds given out so far cover only the Vanguard Initiative. The programme includes the Ignite Bootcamp, where applicants from across Nigeria undergo intensive training before receiving any financial support.

Ojulary said, “Now, the Vanguard Fellowship Initiative is what we are doing. This is the second award ceremony out of the Vanguard Fellowship Initiative. Part of the Vanguard Fellowship Initiative is the Ignite Bootcamp. We call for applications across Nigeria, and we select the best minds based on the funding that we have. In the first cohort, we had thousands of applications, but we only selected 50 because of the funding that we had. On the day of the awards, we gave 21 bright minds $5,000 each.”

She added that an unexpected gesture increased the number of beneficiaries during the first cohort. “On the day of the awards, an entrepreneur contacted me and said, I want to help you with four others, and that’s why we did an additional four. We have $125,000, and we have given it out to 25 entrepreneurs. Today, we had funding for eight people. For me, the reason why I make the entrepreneurs go through the bootcamp is to also let them know that it’s not about the money.”

Giving the total amount disbursed so far, she said, “In the first cohort in April 2025, we awarded 25 entrepreneurs $125,000. In this cohort, which is the second one, we have given out N50m, and that is going to eight entrepreneurs. So I would say it’s approximately $180,000.”

During the event, commendations poured in for the foundation’s efforts. A member of the Lagos House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa Constituency, Gbolahan Yishawu, praised Ojulary’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and assured her of continued government support. He also urged the fellows to prepare policy papers that could be considered for legislative work.

“I gave you guys an assignment to prepare a paper. Please get them ready, and we will turn the worthy ones among them into legislation papers in the business of legislation together with my colleagues. Mary, I don’t know where you have got this energy, but we must thank you for what you are doing. God bless you,” Yishawu said.

The event highlighted the foundation’s growing impact in nurturing entrepreneurial talent, offering mentorship, and creating long-term opportunities for young Nigerians working to expand small businesses across the country.

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Bauchi Government Orders Temporary Closure of All Schools

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Bauchi Government Orders Temporary Closure of All Schools

The Bauchi State Government has announced the immediate closure of all primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the state following widespread security concerns. The directive affects Federal Government-owned schools, state-owned schools, and private schools. In a public statement, the government explained that the decision was taken after extensive consultations aimed at protecting students and school communities.

According to the statement, the government described the move as difficult but necessary. It noted that the safety of children and teachers remains its top priority. The announcement stated, “The protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”

Parents, guardians, school proprietors, and other stakeholders were urged to remain calm. The government appealed to the public not to panic as efforts are ongoing to address the security concerns. It added that security agencies are working closely with the state to restore normalcy so that academic activities can resume once it is safe.

The statement also encouraged citizens to be vigilant. It said, “If you see something, say something.” The government stressed that timely information from residents is important for securing communities. It assured that updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The announcement was signed by Jalaludeen Usman, Anipr, Information and Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Ministry of Education.

Abia MOBSE Sends CBT Date to 2025 Batch B Teacher Applicants

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Abia MOBSE Sends CBT Date to 2025 Batch B Teacher Applicants

Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) has sent CBT dates to applicants of the second batch of the 2025 teachers recruitment through email. Candidates are advised to check their inbox for the message.

The email titled “Invitation to Competency-Based Test Teaching Position” reads, “Dear Candidate, You are hereby invited to participate in the Computer-Based Test for the ongoing Abia State Teaching Position Recruitment exercise.” The instructions for the CBT have been included in the email for all eligible applicants.

Meanwhile, some candidates will see 18 November as their CBT date. This is a mistake from the recruitment team. The correct date should be 28th November 2025, and Abia batch B teachers recruitment team is expected to send follow-up emails confirming the correct CBT date.

Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Stakeholders to Share Benefits With Grassroots

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Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Stakeholders to Share Benefits With Grassroots

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all government appointees, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure that any form of government support they receive is shared in ways that create real benefits for people at the grassroots. He said this approach will help build a more fair and prosperous society where communities can feel the direct impact of governance.

The Governor gave the directive during a special Sunday Service at the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket. He explained that the recent statewide ward meetings of the All Progressives Congress were organised to strengthen connections with people at the community level and ensure no group feels left out. He praised Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders for what he described as effective coordination and a productive outcome.

The Governor urged beneficiaries of his administration’s support to extend kindness to people in their villages. He said, “If this administration is benefitting you in one way or the other, make sure you share this benevolence with people in your villages for them to also feel the impact of this Government.” He added that the grassroots meetings would be held again in December to strengthen party membership, loyalty, and public confidence in the administration.

Governor Eno reassured residents that the government is committed to fixing failed portions of roads across the state once the dry season begins. He appealed to citizens in Uyo and other areas to remain patient until the rains stop, noting that remedial work will start immediately afterward. According to him, “Let me announce here that all the failed portions of roads have been appropriately studied and recorded down for prompt remedial interventions as soon as the rainy season is over.”

He also revealed that more streets and roads within Uyo Metropolis and surrounding communities will soon have solar-powered lighting. He said this will enhance the image of the city as a tourist destination and provide better security at night.

During the service, the Undershepherd of the church preached on the topic “God sees,” with the message drawn from Genesis 21:12. He encouraged Christians to live with the awareness that God sees and understands every situation in their lives. He said, “Don’t let your past and circumstances behind your birth define who you are. The ways of God are not our ways. Whatever is your situation in life, God sees you. He will send an angel to you. Hold on to God. He will help you.”

He added that God’s promises will come to pass and reminded the worshippers to remain patient. He said, “At times, God’s visitation to you may delay but He shall certainly visit you to turn around your situation for the best. Just relax and be patient.”

The service featured praise sessions, worship, and choir ministrations, and was attended by members of the State Executive Council, clergies, captains of industry, political figures, and Christian faithful from across the state.

NEMA MD Launches Empowerment Training for Widows in Kebbi

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NEMA MD Launches Empowerment Training for Widows in Kebbi

Philanthropist and humanitarian advocate Hajiya Zubaida Umar Dangiwa, who also serves as the Managing Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, has launched a wide-reaching empowerment programme aimed at improving livelihoods, economic independence and self-reliance among widows and vulnerable groups. The nine-day training took place from Friday, November 14 to November 22, 2025, at Government Secondary School Junju in Birnin-Kebbi, attracting a large turnout of beneficiaries, community leaders and scholars.

The initiative focused on skills development in household businesses, vocational trades and small-scale business management. According to organisers, the programme was structured to give participants practical knowledge they can use to start or grow small businesses within their communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zubaida Waziri, Chief Executive Officer of the Zubaida Umar Dangiwa Charity Organisation, said the programme was created to “uplift hardworking widows that need assistance to change their lives.” She explained that the goal was not only to provide tools but also to strengthen the confidence and long-term abilities of the beneficiaries. “Empowerment is not just about giving tools. It’s about giving people the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families,” she said.

Beneficiaries expressed their appreciation, especially as the training and start-up support came during a period of rising economic challenges. One of the recipients, Malama Suwaiba Attahiru, who received start-up cash, said the support would help her begin a liquid-soap, air-freshener and locally homemade spaghetti business from home. “This will change my life. I now have the means to earn income and support my children,” she said.

In his remarks, the Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Waziri, praised Dangiwa’s dedication to improving the lives of widows, describing the effort as an example of private-driven social intervention. “Her work sets a standard for how private citizens can drive social change,” he noted.

The empowerment programme is expected to continue in phases across various local government areas, targeting widows, out-of-school girls and small-business starters. Zubaida Waziri said follow-up and monitoring will be carried out to ensure that beneficiaries make effective use of the start-up cash.

Lawmaker Says He Delivered Over N1bn Empowerment in Imo

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Lawmaker Says He Delivered Over N1bn Empowerment in Imo

Rep. Eugene Dibiagwu, who represents the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State, says he has carried out empowerment projects worth more than N1 billion since he was elected in 2023. He revealed this during the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series on Sunday in Abuja, as reported by Nigeria Startup News. The lawmaker, who was a successful businessman before joining politics, explained that his focus has been on ensuring that his constituents feel the impact of his presence in the National Assembly. He said he organised a major empowerment programme in March at Mgbidi, in Oru West Local Government Area, to help cushion the harsh economic realities affecting many families.

Dibiagwu said he has always been committed to improving the welfare of his people. According to him, “I have done so many things for my people as a result of my presence in the National Assembly. I have been involved in making sure that their welfare is guaranteed.” He described the March empowerment programme as a large event that “shook Imo” and also drew attention across the South-East and other parts of the country. He said it was designed to directly support the downtrodden and give many residents a chance to start small businesses or improve their livelihoods.

Listing what was shared during the mega empowerment, Dibiagwu said items were distributed across all 33 wards in the constituency. These included 45 buses, 45 tricycles, 45 motorcycles and 45 sewing machines. Others were 45 grinding machines, 120 stoves and 3,000 bags of 50kg rice. He added that 120 people received grants of N500,000 each to support new small-scale businesses. He explained that the distribution was structured to ensure fairness. “I made sure that each ward benefitted from the buses and then we gave out some of them to other outstanding people within the federal constituency,” he said.

Dibiagwu also highlighted the various infrastructure projects he attracted to the constituency. These include the Nkwo Ihitte-Owerri/Onitsha Expressway Road, the Mgbidi, Umualaoma Akabo-Catholic Church Junction Road, Awa Road, Assa-Idegele Road and Awarra Ohaji Road. He said he ensured that education and basic amenities were not left out. “I equally attracted construction of six-classroom blocks at Community Secondary School, Awarra, construction of modern classroom blocks with modern facilities and solar energy borehole at Otulu Secondary School in Oru West,” he said. He added that solar-powered boreholes were provided at Umuokwu Izombe and Eziorsu in Oguta.

According to him, residents also benefitted from the distribution of improved palm seedlings, fertilisers, broilers and roofing sheets, especially to farmers and victims of insecurity. He said these efforts were part of his plan to support economic growth and social stability across rural communities. On education, Dibiagwu said he has been sponsoring UTME and WASSCE candidates annually. For the 2024/2025 May/June WASSCE, he said 2,000 candidates were registered. He explained that this was important because many families in rural areas struggle to afford examination fees. “In our various rural areas, some people don’t have anybody to register them for WAEC, let alone sponsoring them in the universities. So I have registered so many less-privileged children and I have given scholarships to deserving students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education,” he said.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Regional Development and Amnesty Programme and is a member of the All Progressives Congress, said he also carried out a supplementary empowerment programme for political stakeholders who were not captured in March. He noted that he leads one of the biggest political platforms in the state, the Imo Progressives Movement. “I discovered that some members of the political platform who worked for me were not captured during the March empowerment. So I recently held what I called a supplementary empowerment to take care of them,” he said. He added that more than 10,000 people attended and each received N100,000 as a grant.

Dibiagwu said the empowerment programmes would continue as long as he received divine favour. He said, “Empowerment is from God. I will continue to do that. It’s a continuous process. By next year, we will do the same because it’s a yearly ritual for my federal constituency.” He also spoke on the realities of lawmakers’ earnings, saying that his salary in the National Assembly is N605,000, while his allowance stands at N12.5 million, which must be retired. “That’s all I receive from the National Assembly at the moment,” he said.

Cross River Trains Young Women on Leadership and Governance

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Cross River Trains Young Women on Leadership and Governance

The Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in governance, leadership, and development processes. She made the statement during a high-impact leadership and governance training session held on Saturday at Pyramid Hotel along Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar.

The event was organised in collaboration with Miss Politics Nigeria and brought together young female contestants who are passionate about influencing public policy, leadership, and community transformation. The session focused on equipping participants with skills and knowledge needed to take up active roles in society.

Speaking after the engagement, Bassey-Duke described the experience as “a refreshing one,” adding that the participants showed remarkable depth, curiosity, and potential. She said, “Engaging with these brilliant contestants reminded me of the power and potential that young women hold when they are given the right platforms and support. Their curiosity, confidence, and commitment to shaping a better future were evident in every conversation we had.”

She explained that the training covered practical pathways for effective leadership, touching on representation, strategic thinking, and integrity in governance. According to her, the quality of questions and the ideas shared by the contestants showed that they are already preparing to lead with strong purpose. “I was especially encouraged by the depth of their questions and the solutions they proposed for challenges within their communities, proof that the next generation of female leaders is already preparing to lead with purpose,” she said.

Bassey-Duke praised the organisers for creating what she called an “empowering space,” adding that the programme aligns with the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion and mainstreaming. She stated, “Initiatives like this are not just timely, but essential in nurturing women who will redefine leadership across Nigeria and beyond.”

She also expressed interest in future partnerships and restated her dedication to supporting the growth of young women in leadership. The training is part of wider gender-focused initiatives by the Governor Bassey Edet Otu administration aimed at increasing opportunities for women and improving their visibility in governance across Cross River State.

Apply for NCDMB Nigerian Engineering Olympiad for Youth Innovation

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Apply for NCDMB Nigerian Engineering Olympiad for Youth Innovation

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has partnered with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited to launch the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, a new national competition designed to inspire engineering students to build innovative solutions for real societal problems. The programme is open for applications and is being championed by Enactus Nigeria, with the Nigerian Society of Engineers serving as a key partner.

Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, the Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, said the Olympiad is designed to encourage final-year and postgraduate engineering students to imagine a self-reliant Nigeria built on knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. He explained that the organisation believes innovation starts in the minds of young engineers, adding that the Olympiad will help them connect academic ideas with industry needs. He stated that the platform creates a bridge that transforms knowledge into impact and ideas into enterprise, highlighting how creativity from classrooms can become real products and solutions.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the theme of the programme, titled Inspiring Engineering Solutions, fits into the administration’s Nigeria First agenda. He pointed out that Nigeria’s large population offers a pool of potential talent, yet the engineering sector continues to face a critical skills gap. According to him, only a very small number of engineering graduates are considered industry-ready at the point of graduation. He stressed that this challenge has consequences such as a shortage of local professionals, dependence on foreign expatriates, and an increasing rate of brain drain.

Represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, Ogbe said the Olympiad supports NCDMB’s wider human capacity development programmes, which include training young Nigerians in fields such as robotics, petroleum engineering, and digital technology. He said the aim is to create an annual national platform that identifies, nurtures, and supports engineering talent while giving participants opportunities for mentorship and commercialisation. He also noted that the Board is working to strengthen leadership and entrepreneurial skills among young engineers, helping them to thrive in the workforce or build their own technology-focused ventures.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, represented by Ms. Ebiho Agun, described the creativity of Nigerian youth as one of the nation’s most important strengths in a world centred on science and problem-solving. She said the Olympiad offers young Nigerians a chance to improve their technical skills and push the boundaries of their imagination. She encouraged the students to see the competition as an opportunity for discovery, personal growth, and career development, assuring that the Ministry remains committed to supporting youth skills, creativity, and mentorship.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Integrated Gas at First E&P, Engr. Yetunde Taiwo, said the company’s involvement reflects its values of developing talent, promoting innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship. She explained that while the company has been supporting education at the secondary-school level, this Olympiad allows it to work more directly with university engineering students and expose them to real industry challenges. Taiwo expressed concern over the rising brain drain, explaining that many graduates feel forced to leave the country due to limited opportunities. She said initiatives like the Olympiad, through strong collaboration between government and industry, can create more opportunities and help retain skilled engineers.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by Engr. Amino Hamisu, praised the Olympiad, describing it as an important step toward improving engineering excellence and advancing national technological growth.

In her keynote address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Ogunsola, called the Olympiad a watershed moment in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. She said it serves as a national innovation incubator that will help transform final-year projects into commercially viable products. She explained that the programme offers structured mentorship, prototype development support, and intellectual property guidance. She confirmed that the NSE will provide expert support to ensure that students’ innovations meet global standards.

The organisers provided detailed information about how the Olympiad will be conducted. Applications opened on 20 November 2025 and will close on 11 January 2026. The first stage will be an intra-school screening, producing one winning team per participating school. After this stage, selected teams will receive mentorship and support to develop their concepts into prototypes. The second stage will involve regional contests, with five schools qualifying from each region. In total, 30 teams will progress to a mentorship and prototyping phase, where they will receive funding to develop their minimum viable products.

The third stage will narrow the competition to 12 teams, with two teams emerging from each region. These finalists will move into an intensive mentorship and business development boot camp designed to refine their prototypes. The Olympiad will end with the national grand finale on 11 April 2026, where four teams will be selected as winners of the competition.

Interested teams have been encouraged to register through the official portal at https://www.neo.org.ng.

Over 8000 FCTA Workers to Sit for November 2025 Promotion Exams

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Over 8000 FCTA Workers to Sit for November 2025 Promotion Exams

More than 8,000 civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory Administration are set to sit for promotion examinations this week. The exercise will run for five days, from Tuesday, November 25 to Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the National Open University Study Centre along Kubwa Road in Abuja.

The Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, confirmed on Sunday that the candidates are drawn from 165 different cadres. He explained that the promotion exercise received quick approval from the FCT Minister as part of efforts to motivate staff and speed up the conclusion of the 2024 promotion process for FCT and FCDA workers.

Ezeh said the examinations will be conducted through a Computer-Based Test, noting that this method supports the newly introduced digital platform approved by the FCT Minister. He added that the goal is to deepen the use of technology in promotion assessments.

He said, “Recall that the FCT under the leadership of Barr. Nyesom Wike blazed the trail as the first Commission in Nigeria to conduct its promotion by CBT.” He also noted that “the Minister had in August 2025, approved the promotion of 49 directors, who were successful in the CBT examination conducted by the Commission.”

FG Urged to Pay Delayed ₦22,500 TVET Monthly Stipend to Trainees

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FG Urged to Pay Delayed ₦22,500 TVET Monthly Stipend to Trainees

The Federal Government’s delay in paying the monthly ₦22,500 stipends to trainees under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme has raised strong concern from the House of Representatives member for Ojo Federal Constituency, Seyi Sowunmi. He warned that the non-payment, which has now lasted for more than a month, is already affecting trainee attendance and threatening the credibility of the initiative.

Sowunmi said reports from several centres, including the Ojo centre, confirm that trainees have not received the ₦22,500 promised to them when the programme started. He explained that many young people depend on the stipend to fund transportation to the various training centres. According to him, “For many of these young people who enrolled for this programme, the monthly stipends are essential for their transportation to their various centres.”

He added that the delay is now discouraging participation. He noted that, “The failure of prompt payment of the monthly stipend is already resulting in declining attendance in some centres. We cannot expect commitment from trainees when the system has not honoured its commitments to them.”

Beyond the trainees, Sowunmi also highlighted that the centres themselves have not received the expected ₦45,000 per trainee needed for operations. He said this lack of financial support is putting pressure on facilitators who are still trying to keep the programme running.

He explained that after reviewing the programme’s objectives and visiting a centre in Ojo, he remains “confident that the TVET programme, if properly implemented, holds significant promise for youth empowerment, skills development, and long-term national competitiveness.” He warned, however, that continued delays could undermine public confidence and urged the government to clear all outstanding trainee stipends and centre payments without further delay.

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